SkyTrain's Canada Line service disruption ends after 14 hours, with critical train-control cable now replaced
Service on the Canada Line today was significantly disrupted for roughly 14 consecutive hours, making it one of the longest and most unusual disruptions on the SkyTrain network in many years.
As of the time of writing, regular services have resumed.
Shortly after the start of service Wednesday, just before 6 a.m., TransLink initially reported that a stalled train was impacting service, forcing Canada Line operations to be split into separate segments running at reduced frequencies between Waterfront Station and Oakridge-41st Avenue Station, and between Marine Drive Station and YVR-Airport Station/Richmond-Brighouse Station.
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A shuttle train remained operational between Oakridge-41st Avenue Station and Marine Drive Station — requiring passengers to transfer trains twice to continue their journey — and TransLink also deployed bus bridge shuttle services between King Edward Station and Bridgeport Station.
This is the busiest segment of the Canada Line, with over 50,000 daily passengers riding the system within the disrupted section each weekday on average, according to 2024 data.
The service disruptions continued through the morning peak period and into the evening, with crowding experienced at stations and onboard trains.
Regular service resumed after the technical issue was resolved at roughly 7:40 p.m.
Upon inquiry, TransLink told Daily Hive Urbanized this afternoon that the technical issue specifically involved communications cables that are critical to operate the fully automated trains, and that these cables had to be replaced before normal service could be fully restored. Technicians with the Canada Line worked to achieve this as quickly as possible.
Service disruptions on SkyTrain’s Canada Line on Jan. 14, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
As previously reported by Daily Hive Urbanized last week, there are plans to improve the train communications systems on the Canada Line to better ensure the system’s reliability — potentially reducing the likelihood of technical issues such as today’s disruptive incident.
As well, over the coming years, the Canada Line’s original fleet of trains that first began operating in 2009, when the line opened, will see refurbishment work related to numerous train systems and components to extend the lifespan of the trains and enhance reliability. No visible upgrades will be made to the train interior, such as passenger amenities and seating configurations.
Today’s service disruptions follow the six-hour complete shutdown of Expo Line services between downtown Vancouver and Commercial-Broadway Station — the busiest section of the entire SkyTrain network — on Dec. 23, 2025, coinciding with the morning peak period service. That incident was due to a medical emergency.